NEWS & COMMUNITY

CATEGORIES
Updating Your Will
Will You, Wont You? When to Revisit Your Will 25.06.24 In Australia, around 60% of adults have a Will, and over 93% of those aged over 70 do. However, having a Will doesn’t guarantee it reflects your current wishes. For example, "Bob" made his Will 50 years ago with a DIY kit and hasn’t updated it since. It’s likely outdated or invalid. Our Wills and Estates team discusses when to review your Will, the risks of not updating, and how to amend it properly.

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Visa Cancellations and Community Safety Concerns
New Ministerial Direction 110 Introduced to Address Visa Cancellations and Community Safety Concerns 24.06.24 Ministerial Direction (MD) 110, concerning Visa Refusal and Cancellation under section 501 and the Revocation of Mandatory Visa Cancellation under section 501CA, was recently introduced. The decision followed "a week of pressure over the failure to deport migrants convicted of violent crimes under Direction 99," according to Andrew Giles the Immigration Minister. In this article, our migration team discusses the introduction and implications of MD 110, emphasising the increased focus on community safety in visa refusal and cancellation decisions under section 501, as well as the revocation of mandatory visa cancellations under section 501CA

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Revamping The Rules - Queensland Body Corporate Reform 20.06.24 On November 14, 2023, the Queensland Government passed the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (the 'Act'). This Act officially took effect on May 1, 2024, and introduces several significant changes to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the 'BCCM Act') and related legislation. In this article, our property and commercial law team examines the changes brought about by the new Act and their implications for body corporates and lot owners.

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Sara Morgan Celebrates Two Decades of Legal Excellence at Ramsden Lawyers 05.06.24 Sara Morgan’s 20-year journey at Ramsden Lawyers is an inspiring testament to growth, resilience, and dedication. Starting as a receptionist in 2004, Sara has risen to Executive Paralegal, becoming one of the firm's most distinguished success stories. Her commitment to excellence and passion for achieving successful client outcomes have been pivotal in her career. Sara attributes her long-standing loyalty to the close-knit relationships and supportive environment at Ramsden Lawyers, describing the firm as "like family." The firm's significant growth and adaptability over the years reflect exceptional leadership and a progressive approach to industry changes. Celebrating Sara’s incredible achievements highlights the firm’s dedication to fostering talent and providing outstanding legal services.

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Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) Protection 27.05.24 In the changing landscape of commercial transactions, the intricacies of security interests, as governed by the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA), continue to be a critical cornerstone of modern financing. Whether lending a few dollars to a friend or financing a significant business deal, registering security interests is your key to peace of mind. In this article, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Senior Associate Lachlan Boyle and Law Clerk Riley Hickey provide insights into protecting your financial interests in secured transactions because, in the world of commercial lending, it pays to be at the front of the line.

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General Skilled Migration 23.05.24 This article outlines Australia's General Skilled Migration program, which offers visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. It highlights eligibility criteria, including a points system, age limits, and health checks. Subclass 190 requires state sponsorship, while Subclass 491 targets regional growth. The article stresses the need for updated information and expert guidance for successful migration to Australia.

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Shareholder Oppression Explained 09.05.24 As businesses change, their relationships with shareholders can also change, sometimes not for the better. This means that shareholders can often be left out of company decisions, don't get their fair share of profits, are stuck with a company going in a direction they don’t agree with, or have no clear way to leave. In this article, Lachlan Boyle and Riley Hickey look into shareholder oppression to help you understand what options you might have if you're dealing with this situation.

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Belinda Northam Finalist for New Partner of the Year Award (SME) – 3 Years or Less 03.05.24 We are delighted to announce that Partner, Belinda Northam has been nominated as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 2024 Partner of the Year award (SME) – 3 years or less. This nomination is a culmination of almost 20 years in practice for Belinda, and testament to the high level of legal technical expertise she is now recognised for, in addition to the significant contributions she has made as a Partner to both her firm of the last 17 years – Ramsden Lawyers – and to the broader legal community.

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Understanding Unfair Contract Terms 17.04.24 Signing contracts as a consumer or small business can be daunting due to their length and complexity, often filled with legal jargon. To address this, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 introduced the unfair contract term regime, aiming to redress this imbalance and create a fairer environment for consumers and small businesses. In this article, our commercial law team will explore its application, recent changes, and impact on future contracts.

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International Women's Day at Ramsden Lawyers 13.03.24 Discover how Ramsden Lawyers celebrates International Women's Day, championing gender equality in the legal profession. This article highlights the Women of Influence breakfast and firm-wide afternoon tea, showcasing achievements and milestones of women in law. Learn about the significant "firsts" for women in the Queensland legal scene and the strides Ramsden Lawyers has made towards a more inclusive and diverse workplace. With a commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality, Ramsden Lawyers invites readers to explore their services, collaborative opportunities, and career paths. Join us in shaping a more equitable legal landscape where the contributions of women are recognised and celebrated. Find out how Ramsden Lawyers is making history and how you can participate in this transformative journey.

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Cosmetic Industry Crackdown 13.03.24 Over the last eighteen months, the cosmetic industry has experienced persistent disruptions, witnessing numerous revisions to the regulatory frameworks governing cosmetic injections and beauty practices. It is unsurprising that both clinics and practitioners find themselves confused, questioning the compliance of their advertising tactics with the stringent marketing regulations enforced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This article delves into the TGA's stance and offers insights on how to protect your practice from unintended scrutiny.

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Navigating Changes to Fixed-Term Employment Contract 13.03.24 The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 brings pivotal changes to fixed-term employment contracts. Key reforms include a cap on contract duration to two years, with only one possible extension or renewal, and introducing the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement for employees. These changes limit the consecutive use of fixed-term contracts for the same roles and introduce civil penalties for non-compliance, underscoring the legislation's commitment to ending precarious employment practices. Understanding these changes is crucial for employers and employees navigating this new legal landscape.

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